Abe Carman

Jon identifies that “Bellamy was asked to re-write this for a revival of The Transports and I for one prefer this version. I think Bellamy always stuck by the Bert Lloyd version, although he did perform this one live. The “Carmen / alarming” is pushing it a bit, but the rest of the song makes up for it I think.”

Mainly Norfolk covers the rewrite with Bellamy’s note that the original version with Bert Lloyd cast as Abe Carman, but simply called The Robbers Song, was “deemed too lighthearted by the producers” for a production of The Transports at the Queen Elizabeth Hall In 83. He therefore rewrote it to give it more edge, which is the version that Jon performs here. Having listened to the original, Bert seems to inject Abe with a certain roughish jollity, which acts as a counterpoint to the solemn outcome of his crime and capture. But then Abe is undoubtedly a desperate man and a bully bragging about both his exploits and the weapons that are the tools of his trade. I think the rewrite is actually fairly subtle, it’s the performance that is so very different. As the sleeve notes on the expanded version or ‘silver edition’ suggest, “In the new version he’s transformed from a rogue with a twinkle in his eye to a really mean bastard with a chip on his shoulder.” If you are unfamiliar with The Transports, then you should have a look at this, there’s plenty of information to work through including contemporary newspaper reports of the real events that inspired Bellamy’s ballad opera, but there is no substitute for hearing it. I’ll confess that at the start of this project I’d have struggled with The Transports, but with the benefit of Jon’s guidance through the world of folk songs and singers, I now find it an absolute delight.

This entry was posted
on Tuesday, June 9th, 2015 at 12:00 am
and is filed under News.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

14 Responses to “Abe Carman”

Great little song………….Mainly Norfolk shows the two versions……….one a Highwayman commited to the thrill and enjoying his trade; compared to the “second wind/Jon’s” version which gives the feel that he is forced to live this life…given the options.

Curious timing with this – I’m currently frantically writing new arrangements for a new production of The Transports directed by Jude Kelly (director of The South Bank) and with a cast including Eliza and Martin Carthy, Jackie Oates, Damien Barber, Jim Causley, Gavin Davenport and myself, as well as a band led by Paul Sartin and Sam Sweeney. This will be debuted at Sidmouth Folk Week on Aug 4th, followed by more performances in the autumn. (plug over…)

I’m quite fond of the lightheartedness of the original, finding the rewrite a bit too reflective. We’re looking at ways of making a composite of lyrics to the original tune though, so I hope theres a balance to be found.

I like the Fagin-esque feel to the more light-hearted version. A very appropriate song for me today, as just been listening to the wondefully well put together and performed ‘Oak, Ash & Thorn.’ Also a very appropriate plug by Mr Moray mentioning Jackie Oates as I’ve also been listening to her ‘Violet Hour’ featuring Jim Causley. Nice when experiences chime together.

Just read the “have a look at this” link…and intrigued to see that “The Transports” was performed in Bracknell on 10th Juy 1980(10 miles from my home)…
it brought back memories.
At the time,I had been out of work for 6months and soooo desperate for money that I can see how easy it is to take the next step to survive. Fortunately,I found work on 14th and that has delayed my appointment on Castle Hill……..phew

THe good thing about the good old AFSAD site is that you can revisit things…..we all need lists and AFSAD is just such a thing to remind us…..
I revisited and re-enjoyed the highly entertaining collection of little songs of David Gibb and Ellie Lucas….I would have lost the memory had it not been for AFSAD

Went to look for The Transporter version of this on Youtube and got distracted by Peter Bellamy’s version of The Land…
@Muzza remember this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edMelEtV0bo
Always enjoy Jon’s selection for June…